Understand Men. Find Love.

Menu

“Why Didn’t He Call?”

My latest piece for Happen Magazine was originally called “Just Being Honest”. It talks about how saying everything on your mind (i.e. being yourself) isn’t always the best policy for a first date. The article is directed towards women, but can apply to men too. Listening is an incredibly powerful and underrated tool when you want to get someone to like you; it may even be more persuasive than talking.

====================================================

When it comes to off-putting dating behavior, men commit plenty of dumb moves. He wears sneakers at a nice restaurant. He goes on and on about his boring job. He asks you pretty much nothing about yourself… and still tries for a good-night kiss at the end of the date (as if). If you find yourself on a date like this, I don’t blame you for passing on another encounter. But what about those cases where the guy does win you over… and yet never calls? Have you ever stopped to wonder what went wrong? While you might think a man’s favor largely boils down to your looks, you’re wrong. Below are five key things that well-intentioned women do that make men bail. Keep them in mind as you search for your Mr. Right.

Reason #1: You talk, but don’t listenWomen are sharers. It’s culturally ingrained. You may talk to your best friend or mom five times a day and think nothing of it. Every detail is relevant, and nothing can be left out in the telling of a story. Problem is, men don’t generally communicate that way. So try to consider the ebb and flow of a normal conversation. If he hasn’t spoken in awhile, ask him a question (and not a vague “So tell me about you” which will make feel self-conscious and put on the spot). If he’s telling a story, try doing a follow-up query instead of refocusing the spotlight on yourself (“You like to travel? Let me tell you about how I backpacked through the Amazon!). And if it’s occurred to you that you haven’t yet learned a thing about your date, try listening for a bit. It’s not that we’re not interested in getting to know you, it’s that we’d be thrilled if you were interested in getting to know us, too.

Reason #2: You see conversation as therapyTalking about your evil ex-boyfriend. Talking about your hatred of your job. Talking about your strained relationship with your mother. It’s not that the bad stuff is irrelevant, it’s that it’s inappropriate. Being negative might be an effective way of winning an election, but it’s not exactly endearing on a date. Even if you feel compelled to touch on such subjects, consider your tone in doing so. And consider how you’d feel if a man were to share his inner turmoil with you too soon.

Reason #3: You’re a little too enthusiastic about himIt’s normal to get excited about a date with potential. It’s normal to consider what kind of husband that date might be. It was also normal to write your grade school crush’s name on the back of your notebook… but you wouldn’t show it to him, would you? Of course not! There’s an unwritten rule in dating that governs the energy flow between a man and a woman: When one party tries too hard, the other party pulls back. If a stranger has ever bought you a costly gift on the first date or called you seven times the day after you had coffee, you know what I mean. We’re not saying you should act cold; just don’t get carried away in front of him. Keep your projections to yourself until you have a better idea your affections are reciprocated.

Reason #4: Your idea of chit-chat is politics, religion and other heavy topicsSo you don’t complain about your ex, your boss or your Mom. But you have a bone to pick with the President, the U.N. and the Pope. Hey, if your date is up for a surprise appearance on Meet the Press, that’s cool. Just know that not everybody likes to swim in the deep end of the pool so early. Sometimes, you’re better off sticking with banter about favorite travel spots or good movies or even funny online dates from the past. It’s not that intellectual topics should be off-limits, but until you know where someone lands on the political spectrum, you may want to tread lightly.

Reason #5: You’re not relating to him—you’re testing himDating should be fun. Getting to know a fascinating stranger, sharing information about yourself to an interested date… these are the things that keep us optimistic about the process. Where it all goes wrong is when you inadvertently turn him into a defendant and yourself into the prosecuting attorney. “How long was your last relationship?” “Where do you see yourself in two years?” “Do you want kids someday?” The answers to these questions are really important — they may well determine whether you choose to see him again — but great dates do not occur on a hot seat or under a microscope. Try reading between the lines instead of asking him these things point-blank.

Post navigation

Comments:

1

w4mfun

Question for you- At what point do you write him off? I have been out with someone 5 times. After the last one he said he wanted to see me again and would call early the next week so we could schedule it. The next week has come (and is nearly gone). He sent an email saying “hope you had a great weekend and your week is off to a good start.” I called a few days ago and said “just calling to see if we were still going to try to get together this week or maybe next. Call me when you get a chance.” Our outings have been fun. I have been a Christian Carter Cool Girl. I did not break any of your 5 rules posted here. In fact, he did most of the talking on our last outing. So at this point, when do I try to contact him again or do I write him off?

If you didn’t commit any of the above transgressions, and you don’t have any pattern in your dating history of guys *always* saying they will call and then disappearing on you, then it is quite possible the problem is him, not you.

I’ve had maybe 2 guys disappear on me (in 20 years of dating!). One was a total whack-job, and I was lucky to get out of that situation. The other had been recently divorced, gotten custody of his kids, and they apparently had a meltdown at home after a visit from their non-custodial mom after she went back to her home state.

The first guy, I should have written him off after the first date. I see that now. I won’t make that mistake again. The second guy, he really liked me, a lot more than I liked him, and he wasn’t really ready to be dating again anyway- he just thought he was. He needed to get his kids and family life on more even keel before bringing a new adult into the mix.

“Man’s rejection is God’s protection.” Don’t ask why, just accept it and move on. DO NOT send followup emails to “confirm” whether you’re going to see him again or not. That clearly indicates you’re more interested in him than he is in you. Optimal situation is he should be more interested in you than you are in him. Period. Move on.

Happy Clients

"Hang in there if you are feeling despair – if this 60 year old English professor can find love, I suspect you can too!"

I know so much more about men and how they think, and because I have a man in my life who is worth my time and effort, I have a confidence in myself that I never had before, too.

Carol H.

"9 months and 14 first dates later, I met the man of my dreams! Love is not a big enough word for how we feel!"

It's only been 106 days, Evan, but they have been the BEST 106 days of my life! Thank you for leading me in the right direction, giving me the confidence to believe in myself and helping me find the love I deserve.

Cheryl O.

"I've always disliked self-help, but from the moment I started reading, I felt you were talking to me."

He is smart, loving, funny, a perfect travel partner, and really wonderful. I have never been in such a lovely relationship. I feel secure, cherished, and happy every day. I never stopped reading your books, and checked up on myself often.

Janie B.

“I will never have to settle for a less than fabulous relationship ever again.”

He recently started referring to us as boyfriend and girlfriend and it makes my heart sing. I really feel that we are moving towards the next level in our relationship and I continue to listen to “Why He Disappeared” on a weekly basis to keep myself grounded.

Amy G.

"I am so happy because I met Mr. Right!"

To make a long story short, I am so happy because I met Mr. Right. He possessed the 3 important requirements that fit my need: chemistry, compatibility, and emotionally and physically attraction. We are committed and our relationship is going on strong for three years now.